Montana Spring Bear

[kevshell]

Here are some pictures from my bear hunt recently.

[kevshell]

My wife went with me on several of the outings. She is pretty good at spotting animals. This beast (horse) is Lincoln. He is a draft cross horse. He's heavy boned and very tall. My 5'8"" self always needed a rock, hill or stump to saddle up. We had one boggy crossing where we had to dismount and lead the horses across. I walked uphill and led Lincoln but he got froggy then jumped. I wasn't expecting it and I thought I was out of the way. His hoof hit the back of my heel like a framing hammer. I'm still feeling that one. That's how it goes.

[kevshell]

Here are some examples of why I like this area. It's rugged. These are also examples of why I carry a big revolver. We're in grizzly country and cover can be close at times.

[iwsbull]

Gorgeous country, good luck with the hunt and I hope the horse incident is the worst of your injury’s.

[bushog]

Those gals are the best spotters (shooters too).

Thanks for sharing!

[kevshell]

There was lots of glassing. And more glassing. Glassing is all about small details. Its very different from what I'm used to in the east. But I like it. This massive binocular is a Swarovski 30x75 he bought in 1999. It has put his clients on a lot of animals.

I also went on a long spot and stalk with these two guys. One is 25 the other is 37. Both are Billy goats in these mountains. It reminded me that my 50 year old butt needs to get in shape.

[jfs]

..............

[kevshell]

You'll notice there's no bear picture. The guide was not happy we didn't tag out however that's not for a lack of effort. We had almost 80 degree days, 35 degrees and raining, fogged out, etc. We saw bears. Just not one within shooting distance. We walked, we rode horses, we glassed....we did it all (except baiting). I explained to the guide I'm ok with it. This is hunting not killing. I thoroughly enjoy being out here. Tagging out is the cherry on top. The hunt itself is the meal. Sunrise, sunset, snow, various animal, etc. I just like being out here.

And I'll be back this fall in hopes of a 6x6 or better. That's the draw - what's around the next bend.

[taffin]

GREAT PICTURES!!

[500fksjr]

Very BLESSED GUY to have your wife out there with you!!! Nice Pics Thanks for sharing...

[bula]

That riding stock sure looks SOLID ! I always enjoy mtn scenery. Thanks. Oh, and considering the name of the forum up at the top of this page, forget your wallet, what's in your holster ?

[cmillard]

Nice write up. Where at in Montana?

[jfs]

you can go to the highest floor of the Empire State Building, look a complete 360 degrees, and not see anything as wonderful as you have seen. God`s country.................

[bula]

Big cities, no thanks. Favorite line, quote, from Louis L'Amour, "Cities are for the making of money, the high up hills, are purely for the soul". Amen Louis.  The pics remind me of time spent in Yellowstone and the 'Bob, in the early '80's. Oh, is the guide wearing Shnees boots ?

[kevshell]

Jun 15, 2022 8:21:14 GMT -5 bula said:

Big cities, no thanks. Favorite line, quote, from Louis L'Amour, "Cities are for the making of money, the high up hills, are purely for the soul". Amen Louis.  The pics remind me of time spent in Yellowstone and the 'Bob, in the early '80's. Oh, is the guide wearing Shnees boots ?

Eagle eye. Those are in fact Schnees boots. Most of the rest of the guys wear Kennetreks. And that's a John Linebaugh 500 in my holster. It was with me most everywhere in MT.

I have more pictures and more story to share soon.